Festive Swap

Now that the Teddy Annual 2010 has appeared on the news stands I can reveal my swap piece exchanged in the TBACA Christmas swap with Robyn Roe of Mima's Bears . Before posting off to Queensland this little pair had a photo shoot for their place in the "Teddy at Christmas" feature inside the Annual - in fact the final one used was without the dog's bed ; so here it is above .

Josh (bear) is 3" tall , made from an Old Gold Vintage Long Pile Upholstery Velvet - with a glittered felt scarf , and Holly (dog) is 1.4" tall , made in off white and tan Long Pile. As you can see they're about to hang up their felt stockings , full of anticipation !

I was very honoured (and delighted) to be asked to contribute a piece for Kathy's festive feature , and the magazine is such a marvellous bear-filled treat . In addition to that I had a really lovely time swapping with Robyn . I received an adorable alpaca panda from her ; "Xiao-Xing". She has such a sweet little face and I was absolutely thrilled to welcome her in to my own small Hug :0)



T.T.F.N ,
Ruth XX

Ready For My Close-Up Now Mr.DeMille ....

Teddy Hugs.

Do you have a moment please
To give this bear just one small squeeze?
'Cos teddy bears need hugs to live…
So don’t you have just one to give?

(Anon)

Ashley has been experimenting with a more intimate portraiture of my bears . Sometimes I do think that elements of their characters can be missed when seeing "the bigger picture" - and it is really important to me that my little creations , although very small ,are still full of communicative expression . I love it when they are mistaken for much bigger bears !
Well ; it's a bit of a grand and wordy way of introducing some close-up photos ! :0)

These were taken in natural light , with a hand held 50mm 1.8 standard Nikon lens with a 21mm extension tube.
So there you go ...






I think this style would make some great cards , or even calendars eventually - they look sort of pensive and arty don't they ?

Top to bottom the girls are : Tara -( adopted) , Martha and Ella .

T.T.F.N Ruth xx

A Nomination !

I was highly delighted to receive news that I've been nominated in the Single Miniature Bear category of the British Bear Artist awards with this little 3" girl above ; "Party-Time Tiffany".
My son brought the post in , and I was genuinely surprised when I opened the letter from the organiser and out fell this lovely , sunny rosette !

I'm so glad that I decided to enter - it is quite a commitment to get to the final judging event in Hove - but in the end I gave myself one chance by entering just one category only ; and what would be would be :0) Well , I have a hotel booked now , and I'm anticipating having a lovely weekend away with my husband and youngest son. We'll explore Tunbridge Wells on the Saturday (where there are 2 National Trust castles .... with moats !!) and then on to the British Bear Fair on the Sunday .

Woohooo ; I'm feeling really excited now !

T.T.F.N Ruth XX

Fun Award !

Many thanks to Elanor of Shantock Bears for passing along this fun award /Tag list . I've never tried to answer anything in only one word before ( I can't even use just 5 words when 25 convey exactly what you mean ! LOL ) so I've had to leave my "Anne of Green Gables" head off this morning . Visit Elanor's blog to see how she answered - and drop in on her beautiful bears and mice too .

Rules :-
1. Use only 1 word answers.
2. Pass along to 6 of you favourite bloggers.
3. Tell them you've given them the award.
4. Have Fun !!


1. Where is your cell phone? "Huh?"
2. Your hair? Annoying

3. Your mother? Precious
4. Your father? Admirable
5. Your favorite food? Curries
6. Your dream last night? Comforting
7. Your favorite drink? Tea
8. Your dream/goal? Togetherness
9. What room are you in? Dining
10. Your hobby ? Bears !

11. Your fear? Unthinkable
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Contented
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Unrealistic
15. Muffins? Occasionally :0)
16. Wish list item? 'Pool
17. Where did you grow up? Hertfordshire

18. Last thing you did? Dressed
19. What are you wearing? Bleuechh !
20. Your TV? Informative
21. Your pets? Gorgeous

22. Friends? Similar
23. Your life? Busy
24. Your mood? Hopeful
25. Missing someone? Family
26. Vehicle? "Chauffeured" !! :0)
27. Something you’re not wearing? Tiara (;0)
28. Your favorite store? Hobbycraft
29. Your favorite color? PINK
30. When was the last time you laughed? Morning
31. Last time you cried? Today
32. Your best friend? Husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Hobbycraft !!
34. One person who emails me regularly? Yes
35. Favorite place to eat? Together


As this is a bit of fun I've decided to include a completely random pic as well (why not ? It's Tuesday ???) Ashley took this at Longleat Safari Park this summer.This unfortunate creature is obviously having a Bad-Hair Day like me!!



I'll pass on the Award to :
Gail at Walnut Tree Corner Bears
Sandi , Bearly Sane Teddies ,
Tina of TinyBear ,
Robyn at Mima's Bears ,
Pauline , Valewood Bears and
Sue of FenBeary Folk So please don't forget to visit them soon .

'Till Next Time ,

Huggies , Ruth XX